Michael Jackson (November 2007 file photo)American music superstar Michael Jackson died June 25 after sufferingcardiac arrest at his home in Los Angeles. He was 50 years old. One ofthe most-recognized performers in the world, Jackson's blend of pop,rock and soul appealed to people of all races and cultures.

MichaelJackson's life was described as one of excess and loneliness. He wasloved by millions of fans around the world, and had amassed a fortune,but he was often a prisoner of his own fame.

Born in Indiana

Born in Gary,Indiana, Michael Jackson was the seventh of nine children. He and hisfour older brothers showed early talents for playing music, singing anddancing, all of which was encouraged by their parents. At age five,Michael made his professional debut as lead singer with his brothers,known as The Jackson Five. The young boys became working performers,and had no time for any normal youthful pursuits or experiences. Aftera competition at New York City's famed Apollo Theater, the Jackson Fivesigned a recording contract with the prestigious Motown Records label.In their years together, from 1964 - 1981, they sold more than 100million records. Michael once commented about that time in his life.

"Whenyou grow up like I did, in front of 100 million people since the ageof five, you're automatically different," Jackson noted. "My childhoodwas completely taken away from me. It was not a normal childhood; nonormal pleasures of childhood. Those were exchanged for hard work,struggle and pain, and eventual material and professional success. Butas an awful price, I cannot re-create that part of my life."

Solo albums led to more success

In this 13 Nov 1988 file photo, pop singer Michael Jackson performs before a sold out crowd for his Bad tour at the Los Angeles Sports ArenaInhis spotlight as the lead singer with his brothers, it seemed onlynatural that Michael Jackson would pursue a solo career. His debut soloalbum of 1972, Got To Be There, started a string of hits, and heeventually parted company with his brothers in 1981. Michael'sreputation grew as a songwriter, dancer, choreographer and producer.Using innovative techniques and special effects, he created musicvideos that seemed more like mini-movies. Accompanying his landmark1982 album Thriller, was a 13-minute film that was influenced byclassic Hollywood horror movies. Thriller is still among thebiggest-selling albums in history, with sales of more than 45 millionworldwide.

At the 1983 Motown Records 25th Anniversarytelevision special, Michael mesmerized the audience as he performed thehit song "Billie Jean," and debuted his now-famous "moon walk" dancesteps. The show was seen by more than 50 million people around theworld and was a major turning point in his career.

Michael'strademark attire was his glittering costumes and sequined white glove.In 1985, he helped organize the USA For Africa famine relief benefitand co-wrote "We Are The World," on which he was a featured performer. In 1986, as an investment, Michael purchased the publishing rights tohundreds of songs, including more than 200 titles by The Beatles.

Life of recluse

Forall his fame and financial success, however, Michael Jackson lived thelife of a recluse. He had several homes, including Neverland, aCalifornia mansion with its own zoo and amusement park. Michael oftenentertained children, and would always open his home for children'scharity events. Journalists described him as living in a fantasy worldof his own creation and commented that he was attempting to re-capturehis own lost childhood. Many people believed Michael spent his wholelife trying to find those lost years, surrounding himself withchildren, and approaching his life and work with a child-like innocence.

"WhenI create my music, I feel like an instrument of nature," Jacksonexplained. "I wonder what delight nature must feel when we open ourhearts and express our God-given talents, the playfulness of life. Andthat's why I love children and learn so much from being around them.The magic, the wonder, the mystery and the innocence of a child's heartare the seeds of creativity that will heal the world. I really believethat."

Living Legend Grammy, child abuse accusations

In 1993, Jackson received the Grammy Living LegendAward. That same year, child abuse allegations threatened to ruin hiscareer. Michael always denied the charges by the 13-year-old boy,citing that they were part of an extortion attempt. The child abusecase was settled out of court, with Michael paying a reported $22million to the family of his accuser.

The scandal and strangebehavior, including drastically-changing physical features resultingfrom plastic surgeries and skin bleaching, put his career andpopularity in the U.S. into decline. In May 1994, Michael married LisaMarie Presley, daughter of rock and roll icon, Elvis Presley. Thecouple parted amicably two years later.  

In 1995, MichaelJackson released HIStory- Past Present & Future, Book 1, acollection of 15 new songs and 15 greatest hits. The album failed tomeet sales expectations. Jackson's 2001 album, Invincible, also metwith limited success, despite production costs of $30 million.

Marriage, children

Jackson's1996 HIStory World Tour was his biggest and also his last. The 82-datetour was seen by more than 4.5 million fans. That same year, hemarried former nurse Debbie Rowe. The couple had two children, MichaelJoseph Jackson Jr., and Paris Michael Katherine Jackson. Michael wasgiven full custody rights to the children when he and Debbie divorcedin 1999. Jackson fathered a third child, Prince Michael Jackson II, in2002, reportedly through artificial insemination of an unidentifiedsurrogate mother.

In 2003, Jackson again found himself in legaltrouble when he faced a 14-count indictment alleging childmolestation. Although he was acquitted of all charges, it furthertarnished his image. He left the U.S. to live in Bahrain as a guest ofthat country's royal family. Jackson later returned to California.

Jackson began experiencing financial difficulties. In November 2008, he gave up his Neverland Ranch to avoid foreclosure.

Beloved by fans

Fan cries while holding pillow with picture of Michael Jackson outside UCLA Medical Center, in Los Angeles, 25 Jun 2009Despitethe decline in his popularity in the U.S., Michael Jackson remainedloved by fans around the world. He was a two-time inductee into theRock And Roll Hall Of Fame; once as a solo performer and also as amember of The Jackson Five. He was winner of 13 Grammy Awards, and amember of the Songwriters Hall Of Fame. He was scheduled to begin a50-date series of sold-out concerts at London's O2 arena on July 13.

Michael Jackson, one of the most popular and successful entertainers of the 20th century, dead at 50.